Comparison of knowledge, attitudes and hand hygiene behavioral intention in medical and nursing students.
Vol. 61 No. 1 (2020), Articles
Vol. 61 No. 1 (2020)

Comparison of knowledge, attitudes and hand hygiene behavioral intention in medical and nursing students.

Articles
https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.1.741
Published 2020-03-31
Jacobo Cambil-Martin
University of Granada (Spain).
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9107-0068
Maria Fernandez-Prada Fernandez-Prada
Departament of Preventive Medicine and Public Health. University of Granada. (Spain). Preventive Medicine Unit. San Cecilio Universitary Hospital of Granada. (Spain).
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2298-2853
Joaquin Gonzalez-Cabrera
Department of Social Psychology and Methodology of Science Human Behavior. University of Granada (Spain).
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2865-3428
Cristobalina Rodriguez-Lopez
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine. University of La Laguna (Spain).
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9101-2079
Ana Almaraz-Gomez
Department of Pathology, Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Forensic Medicine. University of Valladolid (Spain).
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9648-7065
Alberto Lana-Perez
Department of Medicine. University of Oviedo (Spain).
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0500-8805
Aurora Bueno-Cavanillas Bueno-Cavanillas
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health. University of Granada. (Spain). Preventive Medicine Unit. San Cecilio Universitary Hospital of Granada. (Spain). Ciber of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP).
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0649-3016
pdf

Keywords

Hand hygiene
healthcare occupations students
training

Abstract

Introduction: Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent cross infection. Healthcare students are in a prime position to learn hand hygiene skills. The aim of this study was to analyze hand hygiene behavioral intentions of healthcare students before and after contact with the patient and to compare the knowledge of and attitude towards hand hygiene between medical and nursing students. Methods: In a descriptive survey research design, convenience selection of a sample of medical students (n=657) and nursing students (n=303) was done from modules taught by the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health in both Medicine and Nursing undergraduate degrees in four Spanish universities. The hand hygiene Questionnaire, a validated instrument to evaluate behavior, knowledge, and attitudes, was used. Results: A significantly lower percentage of students reported always or almost always carrying out hand hygiene before contact with the patient or invasive procedures in comparison to the percentage complying after contact with secretions or with the patient. Although hand hygiene knowledge appears acceptable, its importance is not sufficiently valued.Conclusions: There are deficiencies in behavioral intention, knowledge, and attitudes related to hand hygiene in medical and nursing students. Better results are observed among nursing students, especially those who have received specific training.
https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.1.741
pdf

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